Chapter 25: Political Systems in Today's World

Americans often take democracy for granted. Chapter 25 compares political systems and develops an appreciation for forms of government that provide freedom and security.

Section 1 discusses consolidated democracies. France, Great Britain, and Japan are known as consolidated democracies because their democratic governments have free elections, constitutional government, and competing political parties.

Section 2 examines emerging democracies. Among the democracies that have emerged since World War II are Poland, Mexico, and South Africa. Most emerging democratic governments have been threatened by high inflation in the marketplace, social tensions among the people, and extremist political movements. The smooth transfer of power after an election is a good sign for a country's future as a democracy.

Section 3 reviews the histories of some authoritarian states. Authoritarian states are still in the majority today. For example, ethnic and religious strife have discouraged democracy in places like Afghanistan. Cuba and China remain committed to communism. In addition, countries like Iran and Iraq are dominated by religious or military leaders.

Section 4 identifies how nations contribute to global security. Global security means the safety of the entire world. For example, the international community uses strategies to contain the spread of nuclear weapons. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization and the United Nations are examples of cooperation in which several nations participate to protect their people.